Woolworths Affirms Interest in Buying Assets

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Woolworths Ltd., Australia's largest retailer, confirmed its interest in assets owned by Coles Group Ltd. as it continues to gain market share from its distracted rival.

Woolworths Chief Executive Michael Luscombe said the company could also form a partnership with another party in the retailer's auction, shaping up to be the country's largest takeover, at 20 billion Australian dollars (US$16.65 billion) or...